What type of audio CD laser cleaner should I go for??

[copperbeech5]

Hi all,

In need of a bit of help here please, my audio CD has started skipping on occasions, (I have had it a while) but then realised the lens  has never been cleaned and wonder if this might be worth looking at before I give up on it.

I just wonder if any of you can suggest what actually works and what product I should look for?

Many thanks

Copperbeech5

[mazi]

I would get one of the liquid ones from amazon,  round about £3,  with free delivery.

Music cds seem to be almost obsolete these days, all our favourites are put on the iPad and play on the tv sound bar via Bluetooth.

Mike

[copperbeech5]

Thanks Mike,  yes I am a bit of a creature of habit!!

Appreciate your help.

Cb5

[andrewalston]

Because they are well hidden from the outside world, the lenses on CD and DVD players don't normally get dirty. If you have/had a smoker in the house, bets are off on that.

If the lens cleaner doesn't return proper operation, it is most likely to be caused by the lubrication of the mechanism drying out. Sorting that out would involve opening the player. This is not normally difficult; the case screws are likely to be obvious. I don't think the unit will still be under warranty. Unplug the unit first!

The lens moves on a motor-driven sliding carriage, and the sliding part will be what needs treating. Specialists will use lithium grease, but WD40 or 3-in-1 are more readily available and work perfectly well. Don't use thick oil; the thinner the better.

Clean off anything "crusty", and then apply a LITTLE lubricant. A cotton bud is the ideal applicator, and they would be excellent for cleaning the mechanism too.

[copperbeech5]

Wow, above and beyond the call of duty!!

Thank you so much for your comprehensive care plan and explanation, it is much appreciated!

I shall give it a go.

Thank you,
Cb5

[[Ray]]

Don't forget that CD's ( I am not talking DRIVES ) get dirty.     

MILD WARM washin-up liquid, gently applied, well rinsed.


When "they" first issued CDs, the expected life span was "10 years".

[[Ray]]

"Music cds seem to be almost obsolete these days, all our favourites are put on the iPad and play on the tv sound bar via Bluetooth."
Try a Brennan Player . . . . .

[guest189040]

Glasses cleaner.

It will not leave any oil residue.

[andrewalston]

The hard part may be gaining access to the lens. It is quite easy with most laptop optical drives; press the eject button and it is there on the tray.

With many household players and those in desktop computers and game consoles, there is no access to the lens without dismantling.

Many years ago I came across a lens cleaner consisting of a CD platter with a line of short bristles running radially. You wet the bristles with lens cleaning solution and put it in the drive. The drive spins it up attempting to play it, then gives up, hopefully having washed the lens.